Is this sentence by you: “Free speech is what makes us what we are?” A declaration or a question? I cannot tell since it ends with a question mark even though it does not ask a question.
Constitutional free speech has nothing to do with actions occurring amongst private people and entities such as you and Free Republic.
I just know that free discussion is what stops bad ideas from forming. “You are wrong, sir”, How so?, This way..”
And, etc.
That is how human society grows...
It is both...
What do you think?